Scientific ClassificationKingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Crinoidea
Order: Comatulida
Family: Ptilometridae
Genus: Ptilometra
Species: P. australis Distribution/Habitat -Bass Strait, Australia -Depth range 13-18.5 m
Physical Description -Eighteen to twenty arms -Stiff side branches called pinnules -Pinnules are different in length, giving the star a flower-like look -Usually burgundy red
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Crinoidea
Order: Comatulida
Family: Ptilometridae
Genus: Ptilometra
Species: P. australis
Distribution/Habitat
-Bass Strait, Australia
-Depth range 13-18.5 m
Physical Description
-Eighteen to twenty arms
-Stiff side branches called pinnules
-Pinnules are different in length, giving the star a flower-like look
-Usually burgundy red
Feeding Habits
-Spread arms wide to trap plankton and suspended detritus
-Arms remain expanded day and night
-Curls up when disturbed, or when resting
Sources
http://na.oceana.org/en/explore/creatures/passion-flower-feather-star
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ptilometra_australis_Passion_Flower_feather_star.jpg
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Crinoid